Sweet potato harvests, perfect pears and protecting exotic fruits

KITCHEN GARDENER

Harvest pumpkins and other winter squashes on a bright, sunny day and leave them in the sun for 10 days for the skin to harden further, improving their storage time. You can leave them in a sunny spot

Lucy suggests some great autumn jobs for the weeks ahead

Broad beans: Start these seeds now and in a few months time you will be able to enjoy an early harvest. Cauliflowers: Sow early summer types now and place under a cold frame to offer them some protect

Bob reveals his secrets for maximising this year’s fruit and vegetable pickings

Unusual berries, boosting soil health, saving strawberry runners and sharing seeds